Track Access Services Limited

TAS News - Blog

Track Access Services have supported Network Rail with the current development of London Bridge station and surrounding infrastructure, by producing digital driver training materials for route learning and familiarisation.​

London Bridge station and the surrounding tracks have been reconfiguring to provide nine 'through' platforms and six terminating platforms. As construction has progressed, Track Access Services supplied digital training models of the development, providing an accurate representation of planned infrastructure and OLE changes.

Virtual modelling of London Bridge has been completed in stages to support the planned construction schedule. ​London Bridge LL09 and HL07 were delivered in 2016, with HL15 and HL17 being delivered at the end of summer 2017.​

Track models are supplied to operators in advance of commissioning, providing drivers with the materials required to learn new routes and signalling. Virtual models can be presented with on-screen graphics, information overlays and commentary to assist route familiarisation.

Virtual models are developed in conjunction with CAD designers and constructed directly from CAD drawings, signal sighting forms and scheme plans to ensure all objects are modelled with precise dimensions and locations. Environments and structures are enhanced with textures obtained from photogrammetry and video surveys, including; station features, platform objects, foliage and surrounding buildings.

​Driver training and route learning packages are produced from either high quality video footage or virtual models. Virtual modelling is a key component of driver training packages prior to development schemes being constructed and commissioned and video cannot be captured. Modelled routes are viewed from a driver's eye perspective and enable drivers to familiarise themselves with new infrastructure.​Delivery of driver training packages is available across different devices, all featuring video linked to moving maps. Our recent online distribution platform, Track Access Portal, provides remote access for tablets and mobile devices. Users are provided with login details, enabling them to access their relevant route learning materials. As rail operators begin to supply their drivers with tablets, Track Access Portal can deliver all necessary driver training and route learning materials.